Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid

1. What is Financial Aid?

2. What are the general eligibility requirements for financial aid?

3. How do I apply for Federal Student Aid?

4. When do I apply?

5. Do I have to be admitted to the University of the District of Columbia prior to submitting my FAFSA?

6. Do I have to apply each year?

7. As a working student, do I qualify for Financial Aid?

8. Where can I obtain assistance to help me complete the FAFSA?

9. What happens after I have completed my FAFSA?

10. How is my financial need determined?

11. What is the cost of attendance?

12. Am I required to maintain a certain GPA to receive financial aid?

13. What type of financial aid is available?

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1. What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is any type of financial assistance, including scholarships, awarded to assist with educational expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies and transportation. The most common type of financial aid consists of grants, work-study and student loans which can be applied for by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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2. What are the general eligibility requirements for financial aid?

Some general eligibility requirements are listed below. However, there are additional requirements that may have to be met.

• U.S. Citizen or eligible non citizen
• Admitted or enrolled in a degree or eligible certificate program
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Register with Selective Service, if required
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Not in default on any federal student loan
• Not owe a refund to any federal student aid program
• Complete Statement of Educational Purpose

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3. How do I apply for Federal Student Aid?

In order to apply for federal student aid students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at WWW.FAFSA.ED.GOV . The University of the District of Columbia Federal Title IV School Code is: 007015.

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4. When do I apply?

The FAFSA is available online January 1st of each year for the next academic year. You should apply as soon as possible. Completing the FAFSA is only the first step in applying. Our office may still need to request additional documentation after the FAFSA has been submitted.

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5. Do I have to be admitted to the University of the District of Columbia prior to submitting my FAFSA?

No. You do not have to wait on an admission’s decision to apply for federal student aid. You should apply as soon as possible.

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6. Do I have to apply each year?

Yes. You must complete the FAFSA or the Renewal FAFSA each year for the appropriate academic year.

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7. As a working student, do I qualify for Financial Aid?

To determine eligibility you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Federal Processor will calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that will be used to determine what type and how much federal aid you may be eligible to receive. All students are encouraged to apply.

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8. Where can I obtain assistance to help me complete the FAFSA?

You may contact the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at 1233 20th St., NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036. You may call on (202) 741-4730 to schedule an appointment.

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9. What happens after I have completed my FAFSA?

Applying is the first step. You may be required to submit additional documents to verify certain information on your FAFSA. If so, the documents may include but are not limited to: signed federal tax forms, verification worksheets, and documentation of untaxed income. If any documentation is requested you must submit to the Office of Financial Aid, not the federal processor. Your file will not be complete until documents are submitted.

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10. How is my financial need determined?

The Federal Processor determines your family’s ability to contribute towards your education. This is called the Expected Family Contribution or EFC. This is figure is calculated based on the information on your FAFSA. This figure is used to determine your financial need and is not what you are expected to pay the University. The EFC is subtracted from the COA to determine your financial need. (COA-EFC=Financial Need)

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11. What is the cost of attendance?

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the amount the University estimates that it will cost for you to attend. Cost include: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. This figure is used to determine your financial aid and does not reflect what you are expected to pay the University.

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12. Am I required to maintain a certain GPA to receive financial aid?

All students receiving federal student aid must maintain and adhere to the University of the District of Columbia’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy. Please refer to the SAP policy for additional information on eligibility requirements.

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13. What type of financial aid is available?

Individuals who complete the FAFSA are considered for the following funds:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• University of the District of Columbia’s Institutional Grant
• Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
• National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant)
• Federal Work-Study
• Federal Perkins Loan
• Federal Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
• Parent PLUS Loan
• Graduate PLUS Loan

Other types of aid:

• Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Grant (LEAP)
• Alternative Loans
• Loans for International Students and/or Study Abroad

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